Payroll Specialist

Total Package HR; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Paid vacation

Sick time

Holiday pay

401(k) plan

Professional development opportunities

Hybrid work schedule

Job summary

Total Package HR is seeking a Payroll Specialist to manage full-cycle payroll for multiple clients, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and regulatory compliance. The role involves audits, reports, and collaboration with HR and Benefits teams, with mentoring responsibilities for Payroll Coordinators.

The position requires strong problem-solving, ownership, and adherence to company values in a fast-paced, hybrid work environment. A bachelor’s degree is preferred, with 3–5 years of payroll experience.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; bachelor’s degree strongly preferred.
• 3–5 years of progressive HR or payroll experience in fast-paced or multi-client environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and customer service skills.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and sound judgment with confidential information.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively while managing competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead full-cycle payroll processing for assigned clients, including complex multi-state payrolls.
• Audit and reconcile payroll data, deductions, benefits, taxes, and payroll configurations.
• Manage garnishments, off-cycle payrolls, bonuses, commissions, and corrections.
• Prepare payroll reports and support quarterly, annual, and year-end audits (W-2, 941).
• Monitor payroll tax filings and coordinate with Payroll Manager.
• Support ACA, COBRA, benefits reconciliations and compliance initiatives.
• Lead payroll setup, testing, and validation for new client implementations.
• Manage payroll-related HRIS configurations and policy updates.
• Serve as primary payroll contact for assigned clients and provide On-Demand payroll support.
• Develop and maintain SOPs, checklists, and payroll trackers.
• Mentor Payroll Coordinators through training and quality reviews.
• Identify payroll risks and recommend process improvements.

Skills

Attention to detail

Strong organizational skills

Excellent communication

Independent and collaborative work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration/Management or related field

High school diploma or GED

Tools

HRIS

Job description

Total Package HR is looking for a Payroll Specialist to join our growing team!

We are seeking a detail-oriented, experienced Payroll Specialist who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys solving complex problems, and is passionate about payroll and HR. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong critical thinking, takes ownership of their work, and aligns with our company values.

Our compensation package includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick time, and holidays; a 401(k) Safe Harbor retirement plan; professional development opportunities; a hybrid work schedule; and a fun, collaborative team environment.

What We Value:

At TPHR, we pride ourselves on being a trusted partner to our clients, remaining responsive, working hard, being real, and having fun. We value honesty, accountability, teamwork, and delivering exceptional

service.

Position Summary

The Payroll Specialist (PRS) manages full-cycle payroll processing for assigned TPHR clients, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. This position oversees complex payroll processes, supports client implementations, assists with audits and reporting, and collaborates with HR and Benefits teams. The PRS also mentors Payroll Coordinators and identifies opportunities to improve payroll processes and client service.

Essential Functions

• Demonstrate TPHR values through accountability, professionalism, and teamwork.
• Take ownership of responsibilities, proactively identify challenges, and communicate solutions.
• Collaborate with internal teams and clients while maintaining responsive communication.
• Follow established procedures and maintain accurate SOPs, trackers, and project documentation.
• Escalate concerns appropriately and maintain compliance with applicable regulations.

Job-Specific Essential Duties

• Lead full-cycle payroll processing for assigned clients, including complex multi-state payrolls.
• Audit and reconcile payroll data, deductions, benefits, taxes, and payroll configurations.
• Manage garnishments, off-cycle payrolls, bonuses, commissions, and corrections.
• Prepare payroll reports and support quarterly, annual, and year-end audits, including W-2 and 941 reviews.
• Monitor payroll tax filings and coordinate with the Payroll Manager.
• Support ACA, COBRA, benefits reconciliations, and compliance initiatives.
• Lead payroll setup, testing, and validation for new client implementations.
• Manage payroll-related HRIS configurations, system changes, and policy updates.
• Serve as the primary payroll contact for assigned clients and provide On-Demand payroll support.
• Develop and maintain SOPs, checklists, and payroll trackers.
• Mentor Payroll Coordinators through training, guidance, and quality reviews.
• Identify payroll risks, recommend process improvements, and maintain compliance with applicable employment laws.
• Track client time, manage budgets, and respond promptly to client requests.
• Cross-train with team members and assist with special projects and additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications – Experience, Education & Certifications

• High school diploma or GED required; bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Business Management, or a related field strongly preferred.
• Minimum 3–5 years of progressive HR or payroll experience, preferably in a fast-paced or multi-client environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and customer service skills.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and sound judgment when handling confidential information.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively while managing competing priorities.
• Self-motivated, dependable, adaptable, and committed to continuous improvement.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Work is primarily performed in an office or home-office environment. Employees must follow TPHR safety and ergonomic policies, be able to work at a computer for up to eight hours daily, and occasionally travel for client meetings or business needs.